Supported Standing and Supported Stepping Devices for Children with Non-Ambulant Cerebral Palsy: An Interdependence and F-Words Focus

Ginny S. Paleg (), Sian A. Williams and Roslyn W. Livingstone
Additional contact information
Ginny S. Paleg: Independent Researcher, Silver Spring, MD 20901, USA
Sian A. Williams: School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
Roslyn W. Livingstone: Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 6, 1-19

Abstract: Children functioning at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV–V cannot maintain an aligned standing position or take steps without support. Upright positioning and mobility devices have psycho-social significance for these children and their families, enhancing use of vision, communication, functioning and emotional well-being. Standers and supported stepping devices facilitate opportunities for biomechanical loading, potentially helping to build and maintain muscle and bone integrity, and they promote physical development. However, families are often required to choose between these two devices for their young child. This study aims to synthesize evidence for use and benefits of both supported standing and stepping devices through the lens of two contemporary theoretical frameworks to support clinical reasoning and implementation. The F-words for childhood development (functioning, family, fitness, fun, friends, future) and the interdependence-Human Activity Assistive Technology (iHAAT) models were combined to illustrate the complex interactions between the child, family, caregivers, peers and contextual factors when implementing standing and stepping devices with children at GMFCS levels IV and V. Supported standing and stepping devices provide complementary benefits, and both may be necessary starting at 9–15 months. We propose they both be included ON-Time, along with other age-appropriate positioning and mobility devices, to promote more equitable developmental opportunities for children with non-ambulant cerebral palsy.

Keywords: standing frame; stander; gait trainer; support walker; assistive devices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/6/669/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/6/669/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:6:p:669-:d:1400310

Access Statistics for this article

IJERPH is currently edited by Ms. Jenna Liu

More articles in IJERPH from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().